The crested coua is distributed and endemic to forests, savanna and brushland of Madagascar. It is found from sea-level to altitude of 900 metres. The diet consists mainly of various insects, fruits, berries, seeds, snails and chameleons. The female usually lays two white eggs in nest made from twigs.

Widespread and a common species throughout its large habitat range, the crested coua is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.